Montgomery Public Schools is excited and honored to be one of only eight school districts nationwide—and one of only two in Alabama—selected to participate in the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Education Program. This incredible opportunity will take place from February 24-28, 2025, and will bring internationally renowned saxophonist Don Braden and vocalist Lisa Henry, along with a talented group of student musicians, to Alabama public schools, including our very own MPS.
On Monday, February 24, beginning at 9:30 am at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, MPS Interim Superintendent Jamie Wilson, Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed, and Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey will join our students and guests for a special VIP/Media Concert to kick off the week.
This one-of-a-kind educational program, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and United Airlines, blends performance with education. Throughout the week, our students will have the chance to engage with and learn from some of the most gifted young jazz musicians from across the nation. These students, selected for their exceptional talent, will perform alongside our MPS jazz students and share their experiences, knowledge, and passion for the genre.
The program will feature informances—a unique combination of performances and discussions—where students will learn about the history and significance of jazz, including how the genre represents core American values like diversity, teamwork, perseverance, and personal passion. These lessons will be led by the visiting sextet of young musicians, who come from various parts of the U.S., including New York, Houston, Miami, and Dallas.
In addition to sharing their music, they will discuss their personal experiences, challenges, and successes in pursuing jazz at such a high level at a young age. The peer-to-peer collaboration is a cornerstone of the program, allowing our students to learn firsthand from fellow musicians and exchange ideas and techniques to broaden their musical horizons.
At the culmination of this exciting week of education and music, MPS students and the visiting artists will come together for a public concert on February 28, 2025, at The Sanctuary in Tuscaloosa. The event is open to the public and will feature a performance of jazz standards, classics, and contemporary jazz, including Braden’s special arrangements of songs by Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder from his latest album, Earth, Wind, and Wonder – Vol. 2.
“This program will be a truly unique experience for our students, allowing them to interact with and learn from some of the brightest young stars in the world of jazz. We are proud to be a part of this national initiative and look forward to the many benefits it will bring to our students, schools, and community,” said Natalie Roig Knight, MPS Fine Arts Education Specialist.
For more information, you can visit the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz website at www.hancockinstitute.org.